Need career advice

[Zebooneo]

Hi everyone,

I graduated from ADN school around 5 years ago, enrolled in RN-BSN program in 2017 and graduated last week with a 4.0 gpa and accepted member of an honors society. Despite the academic achievements I’m feeling a little lost and fearful about my job prospects.

I worked in insurance claims the year I got my RN license and then did home health for the last 4 years. Technically, I don’t feel like I have a lot of clinical experience to offer. I feel almost blackballed bc of my less than impressive work history.

Since graduating with my BSN I’ve been applying for nurse residencies but I’m afraid of getting rejected for not being a new nurse, just a new grad. Second, I don’t know where I can apply outside if residencies as I don’t have hospital experience.

I would really appreciate any career advice at this point. I live in the DFW location and I love working in pediatrics, so I’d love to get a job at children’s health or medical city, but not sure how to make it a reality.